Concerns about stray dogs

Despite continuous awareness campaigns and specific penalties from authorities, the practice of letting dogs roam freely without muzzles remains common from urban to rural areas. Recent heartbreaking incidents, especially the outbreaks of rabies, serve as a wake-up call regarding the responsibility of pet owners towards community safety.

Unforeseen dangers

According to data from the Ministry of Health , Vietnam records approximately 70-90 deaths from rabies each year, mainly concentrated in rural and mountainous areas. This is an alarming number because rabies has a nearly 100% mortality rate once the disease develops. However, rabies is entirely preventable if people are aware of the need to vaccinate both humans and pets in a timely manner.

The situation of dogs roaming freely without leashes, muzzles, or handlers is still quite common. The photo was taken on a rural road in Binh Pho B area, Long Tuyen ward.

As summer approaches, the prolonged heat increases the risk of rabies outbreaks from stray dogs and cats. In Lam Dong province, in early May 2026, the public was shocked by an incident in which a stray dog, suspected of having rabies, attacked 12 people in Phuoc Hoi ward. The aggressive animal caused chaos as it ran rampant through several densely populated areas before being subdued the following afternoon. Currently, all victims are undergoing rigorous preventative treatment with rabies vaccine and antiserum to save their lives.

In Khanh Lam commune, Ca Mau province, also in early May, a stray dog ​​unexpectedly attacked a 32-year-old woman while she was inside her house, leaving six deep, bleeding bite wounds. Tests from the veterinary authorities confirmed the dog was positive for rabies.

Earlier, in mid-April, in Vinh Loc ward, Nghe An province, three women exercising in the morning were repeatedly attacked by a dog weighing about 10kg. The consequences were not only bites and scratches, but also head injuries and psychological trauma caused the victims to fall to the ground.

There have even been heartbreaking cases of people dying from dog bites, such as an 83-year-old man in Ha Tinh province who was attacked while feeding his dog...

In Can Tho City, the presence of unmuzzled, free-roaming dogs in parks, along embankments, and on streets is causing anxiety for many people. Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai, a resident of Long Tuyen ward, shared: "Every morning, when I exercise along the Cai Son - Hang Bang canal embankment, I'm very scared seeing large, unmuzzled dogs running around. Once, while I was walking, a dog suddenly rushed out and barked fiercely, startling me and almost causing me to fall. Many dog ​​owners say 'dogs are very gentle,' but who knows how they might react when they see strangers or hear loud noises?"

Sharing the same concern, Mr. Tran Van Tinh, a resident of An Binh ward, said: "In my residential area, every afternoon people let their dogs out onto the street without leashes or muzzles. This is very dangerous given that there are many children in the neighborhood. We hope that the authorities will increase awareness campaigns and strictly punish these cases to ensure the safety of the residents."

Pet owners' responsibilities and legal regulations

Many dog ​​and cat owners today, whether intentionally or unintentionally, disregard regulations and brazenly let their pets roam freely on the streets without muzzles.

Decree 282/2025/ND-CP on administrative sanctions for violations in the fields of security, order, social safety; prevention and control of social evils; and prevention and control of domestic violence, stipulates strict penalties for acts violating public order related to pets.

For allowing pets to roam freely in urban areas or public places, the fine ranges from 500,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND. If the owner allows the pet to cause injury or damage to other people's property, the fine ranges from 2,000,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND. Furthermore, allowing pets to encroach on sidewalks, roads, residential areas, or common living spaces also incurs a fine of 500,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND. Allowing dogs to defecate in public places is also punishable by a fine of 100,000-300,000 VND.

In addition, Decree 90/2017/ND-CP on administrative penalties in the field of veterinary medicine (amended by Decree 04/2020/ND-CP) clearly states that the act of failing to vaccinate livestock against rabies, as required, will be fined 1-2 million VND.

Furthermore, according to the Civil Code, pet owners are also required to compensate victims for all treatment costs, emotional distress, and other damages. In particular, current regulations also allow authorities to collect stray dogs and cats. After 72 hours, if no one claims them, the pets may be euthanized to ensure disease safety.

To protect the community and themselves, the health sector recommends that pet owners strictly adhere to the complete and annual rabies vaccination schedule for their pets. When taking dogs out in public, they must be leashed and muzzled. For individuals who are unfortunately bitten or scratched by an animal, the only way to prevent rabies is to receive the rabies vaccine immediately, according to the doctor's prescribed regimen.

In my opinion, besides the decisive action of authorities in inspecting, penalizing, and destroying stray animals without owners, the most important factor remains the awareness of each pet owner. Don't let your pets become a nightmare for your neighbors and cause unfortunate accidents. Adhering to regulations on pet management not only demonstrates civilized behavior but is also a mandatory legal responsibility to build a safe living environment for everyone.

Text and photos: PHI YEN

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/noi-lo-tu-cho-tha-rong-a204501.html